It has been an amazing ride these last 4 semesters in S-STEM. I have learned an incredible amount about science, but more importantly, I have made a number of great, soon-to-be-lifelong friends.
I will never forget the day I first interviewed for S-STEM. Anil Kapoor had recommended me for the program, but despite the endorsement of such a brilliant instructor, I was nervous. I felt out-of-place, and I was certain that I did not belong in such a prestigious program. My nervousness was only compounded when Matt Haberkorn inexplicably left the room during my interview, leaving me alone with Josh James. I thought for certain that I had screwed up somehow, and that Matt leaving the room was somehow a dismissal of my application.
Little did I know that Matt would turn out to be the kindest, gentlest person I would ever meet, and that he was incapable of that kind of insensitivity.
So there I was, face-to-face with Josh and his poker face. He asked me a question: "Who would you most like to have dinner with?" In a flash, I said. " I know a lot of people would say Jesus, but I want to meet .....". Josh's face was inscrutable, and again I thought I had flubbed the interview.
After what seemed like hours and a thousand other questions from Josh, Matt walked back into the room. Josh turned to him, and with that mischievous grin that I have seen a million times since, he spoke two words: "Jane Goodall." It was my answer to his question.
I then watched as these two guys silently communicated in the way that only two people who have known each other for years can do, with mouths silent but their eyes full of knowing; and I suddenly realized that I hadn't screwed up. In fact, I realized I had just met two people who understood me, for possibly the first time in my life.
In that moment I realized that I not only belonged, but that I had found a home. And the lab has been my home ever since- through good and bad, easy times and tough, even after I had my stroke and became a real pain in the ass, the Biosciences team has been there for me every step of the way. We have laughed together, expressed frustration, then laughed together some more-and through it all, I have felt love.
Thank you Josh, Matt, Dijana, Amanda, Cori, Ana, Kim, and Anil, along with all of the scholars that have befriended me along the way. My life has been forever changed for the better because of the home you have given me.
Live long, and prosper.
Paul.
Photo credit: Paul C. Selfie the day I got my shirt.
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